WMMC Symposium

Centers For Disease Control What Is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?  COPD is the name for a group of diseases that restrict air flow and cause trouble breathing.  COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  Chronic lower respiratory disease, including COPD, is the third leading cause of death in the United States.  1. Fifteen million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD.  2.Two decades ago, more than 50% of adults with poor pulmonary function were not aware that they had COPD, therefore millions more may have it.

COPD Related Death Rates

COPD in California About 4.6% (age-adjusted = 4.4%) of California residents surveyed in 2011 reported having been told by a health care professional that they have COPD

2011 California COPD Statistics Respondents were more likely to report COPD (p<0.05) if they Were aged 65 years or older. Were female. Unable to work. Were divorced, widowed, or separated. Were a current smoker. Had a history of asthma.

2011 California COPD Statistics Respondents were less likely to report COPD (p<0.05) if they Were aged 44 years or younger. Were male. Never smoked. Had a household income ≥ $75,000. Had never smoked. Had no history of asthma.

WMMC COPD Statistics  For 2012 there were 3793 encounters with a primary or secondary diagnosis  For 2013 there were 3833 encounter with a primary or secondary diagnosis for COPD (Includes ED visits and hospital admissions)

WMMC COPD Statistics  In 2012 and 2013 combined; there were just over 420 readmissions.  Estimated cost at around 4.5 million dollars in non- chargeable patient care expenses to the hospital. This is estimated real costs to the hospital (labor, supplies, etc) per CMS from  It costs more to manage the COPD patient the second go round.

COPD  With the ever changing ways of doing patient care and keeping with cost reductions in CMS payment structures, we have been forced to rethink practices in patient care.  Managed Care and other insurance providers are following suit.  In case you didn’t know, if a patient is readmitted within 30 days, CMS will not cover the costs associated with that admission. The hospital must absorb those costs.

Why Are We Here Today?  Learn how to reduce re-admissions  By better management of the signs and symptoms  How to get patients into programs that will benefit them  Advantages of medical disciplines within the hospital working together to better manage the COPD patient and keep re- admissions down  Learn about WMMC Pulmonary Rehab program.  So Lets get Started!!!